Fluid container having an additive dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/347,820, filed Feb. 3, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,479, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/158,937, filed Jun.22, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/852,708, filed May 24, 2004, now abandoned, all of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an additive dispensingsystem. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fluidcontainer having a cartridge for dispensing a consumable additive towater, and even more specifically to a fluid container having a waterfiltration system and a disposable, additive dispensing cartridge fordispensing a consumable additive to filtered water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water treatment devices for home and other uses are well known in theart. Such devices are typically incorporated in a water system eitherin-line or at a terminal end. An example of the former would be anunder-the-counter device which filters water prior to reaching a faucetoutlet. There are two common types of terminal end devices—countertopand faucet mounted. Water treatment devices can treat water by the useof mechanical filtration or chemical treatment. Most water-filtrationsystems use a filter-cartridge containing either activated carbon or acombination of activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin. The activatedcarbon serves to filter out particulates and other impurities, whileeliminating most of the chlorine present in the water. The ion-exchangeresin removes positive ions such as calcium, thereby softening thewater. A negative side-effect of the above-mentioned systems is thatvarious other healthy minerals can be removed by the ion-exchange resin.An alternative method of water purification is reverse osmosis, butproducts using this technology are not widely utilized by householdconsumers due to their high costs.

In recent years, consumption of water by people has risen due to betterhealth education and other information available to the public. However,public perception of the poor quality and taste of regular tap water hasled to the development and sale of a number of products addressing theseproblems. Various bottled waters are available to consumers. Some ofthese bottled waters have additional additives which the consumer mayfind beneficial. Such additives include nutrients, vitamins, mineralsand flavorings. These bottled waters are sometimes called fitnesswaters, vitamin waters or enhanced waters. However, the cost andinconvenience of obtaining enhanced bottled water products on a regularbasis may discourage consumers from consuming additional water.Accordingly, a more convenient and cost effective approach for providingenhanced water to the public is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a fluid container having anadditive dispensing system.

One embodiment of the present invention is a fluid container fordispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid containerincludes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additivedispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the firstfluid may be dispensed therefrom. The additive dispensing system isselectively operable to dispense an amount of additive. The additivedispensing system is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a fluid container fordispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid containerincludes a first fluid chamber for containing a first fluid, an additivedispensing system disposed adjacent to the first fluid chamber andoperable to dispense an amount of additive, and a second additivereservoir disposed adjacent to the additive dispensing system such thatit may receive and contain the amount of additive dispensed from theadditive dispensing system separate from the first fluid chamber. Thefluid container is configured such that when tilted an amount of firstfluid may pour from the first fluid chamber and the amount of additivemay pour from the second additive reservoir.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a fluid container fordispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid containerincludes a first fluid chamber for containing a first fluid, an additivedispensing system disposed adjacent to the first fluid chamber andselectively operable to dispense an amount of additive, and a surfacedownstream of the additive dispensing system that is ultrahydrophobic,ultralyophobic, or ultraclean.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed the same will bebetter understood from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary fluid container havingan additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exemplary fluid container without acover according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the exemplary fluid containeraccording to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a is a schematic view of an exemplary fluid container having anadditive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 b is a schematic view of an exemplary fluid container having anadditive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is partial, side elevational view of the exemplary secondadditive reservoir according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary cartridgeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary housing for thecartridge according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary cartridge according toFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary cartridge according toFIG. 1;

FIGS. 10A-10I are schematic representations of exemplary actuationmechanisms for the additive dispensing system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary additivedispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary additive dispensing systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view of an exemplary bubble film according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 b is a top plan view of the exemplary bubble film according toFIG. 12 a;

FIG. 14 a is perspective view of an exemplary molded film according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 b is a top plan view of the exemplary molded film according toFIG. 13 a;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an exemplary fluid container, wherein thesecond additive reservoir includes two rinse channels according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an exemplary fluid container, wherein thesecond additive reservoir includes rinse channels and flow channelsaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of an exemplary fluid container,wherein the second additive reservoir includes an elevated sectionadjacent to the additive dispensing system according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims.Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will bemore fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout theviews.

FIGS. 1-5 show an exemplary embodiment of a fluid container 10 of thepresent invention. Fluid container 10 includes an additive dispensingsystem 100 for dispensing an additive and optionally a filter 23. Fluidcontainer 10 may also be combined with a variety of additive dispensingsystems that are configured to contain an additive and then dispense theadditive as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The additivedispensing system of the present invention may be configured toselectively operable to dispense an amount of additive from a reservoirof the additive dispensing system. In one embodiment, additivedispensing system 100 may comprise an additive dispensing cartridge 120and a receptacle 101. However, it should be understood that fluidcontainer 10 is shown and described herein with additive dispensingcartridge 120 and receptacle 101 for illustration purposes only, and notlimitation.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, fluid container 10includes an outer container shell 12 that forms a first chamber 22.Fluid container 10 may, for example, be a pitcher for containing andpouring several servings of drinking water. As shown, the exemplaryembodiment of the fluid container 10 includes a handle 18 and a pourspout 16. First chamber 22 of fluid container 10 is configured tocontain and hold a first fluid. The first fluid may comprise anyconventional, consumable liquid such as water, filtered water,beverages, etc.

Fluid container 10 may also include an inner shell 14 located within anupper portion of first chamber 22 and removably connected to outer shell12. Inner shell 14 forms a second chamber 24 having an aperture 17disposed within a bottom wall 19 of inner shell 14, placing secondchamber 24 in fluid communication with first chamber 22. Inner shell 14is configured to contain and channel the first fluid such that it drainsthrough aperture 17 and into first chamber 22. In the exemplaryembodiment, a filter 23 is positioned over and/or within aperture 17such that when first fluid drains to and through aperture 17, it flowsthrough filter 23. For example, when an unfiltered, first fluid 1 ispoured into second chamber 24, first fluid 1 flows through filter 23into first chamber 22. After first fluid 1 flows through filter 23, itis now a filtered, first fluid 3 and will be held in first chamber 22until fluid container 10 is tilted at an angle to pour first fluid 3from first chamber 22 via spout 16 into a second container 5 such as adrinking glass.

Water filter 23 may comprise any water filter technology known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Suitable water filter media may include, butare not limited to, activated carbon or the like for removal of organicsfrom the water; halogenated resin fibers and/or halogenated resin beadsor other media, for destroying bacteria and viruses within the water;ion exchange resins (such as halogen based action exchange resin for theremoval of sodium) for removal of ionic materials from the water; andremoving bacteria by microfiltration. One exemplary water filter thatmay be employed in the present invention is disclosed by Hou et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,749, and is herein incorporated by reference. Otherexemplary water filters that may be included in the present inventionare the PUR water filter systems commercially available from The Procter& Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, fluid container 10 is a pitcher thatincludes an open end 13 along an upper portion of outer shell 12. Openend 13 is in fluid communication with second chamber 24 and thus permitsfirst fluid 1 to be poured into open end 13, and ultimately into secondchamber 24. A lid 20 may be configured to be positioned upon shell 12 tocover open end 13 and second chamber 24. Lid 20 may be configured suchthat it is removable from its position covering open end 13. Inaddition, lid 20, in the exemplary embodiment, includes receptacle 101,which is integrally fabricated into an upper portion of lid 20 as shownin FIGS. 1-3. However, it is understood that receptacle 101 may be aseparate component that is either temporarily or permanently affixed tolid 20 without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, receptacle 101 may be glued to lid 20 using anyconventional adhesive as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Receptacle 101 is configured to receive additive dispensing cartridge120 such that the cartridge may move (e.g., slide) within receptacle 101to selectively operate the dispensing of an amount of additive 40 fromadditive dispensing cartridge 120 and may be easily removed from thereceptacle at any time.

Receptacle 101 may include a space 102 configured to receive and holdcartridge 120 in the receptacle in a movable engagement. For example,cartridge 120 may slide within space 102 along a longitudinal axis A1 ofcartridge 120. Receptacle 101 may also include a pump activation devicethat is configured to operate the pump when cartridge 120 is positionedwithin receptacle 101. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the pump activation devicecomprises an annular protrusion 104 extending from a surface 105 ofreceptacle 101 and surrounding an aperture 106 that is disposed withinsurface 105. Other exemplary pump activation devices may include togglemechanisms, levers, linear cams, rotary cams, and like mechanisms asshown in FIGS. 10A-10I. Such mechanisms are configured to actuate a pump150 of the additive dispensing system, manually or automatically (e.g.,motor actuated, solenoid actuated).

Lid 20 may also include a cover 30 that is connected to lid 20 via ahinge 36. Cover 30 is configured to enclose receptacle 101 to provide itand cartridge 120 with protection from dirt, debris, and damage. Also,cover 30 may be configured such that it covers a second additivereservoir 26 (described below) as well. Hinge 36 permits cover 30 toswing up and away from receptacle 101, providing access to receptacle101, and ultimately, cartridge 120 contained within receptacle 101. Byproviding access to receptacle 101, cover 30 permits a user the abilityto remove and/or insert additive dispensing cartridge 120 intoreceptacle 101. Lid 20, receptacle 101, or cover 30 may comprise anysize, shape, and configuration without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Exemplary materials of construction forlid 20, receptacle 101, or cover 30 may include metals, plastics,composite materials, and combinations thereof. In one exemplaryembodiment, polymers are used to construct lid 20, receptacle 101, andcover 30, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene(LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, nylon, polyester,elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone, neoprene, and anycombinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, an exemplary embodiment of the additivedispensing cartridge 120 of the present invention is shown forillustration purposes only, and not limitation. In the exemplaryembodiment, cartridge 120 is a replaceable and/or disposable cartridge.Being replaceable/disposable allows a user to remove cartridge 120 whenthe additive has been completely consumed (e.g., cartridge 120 is emptyof the additive) and to replace the depleted cartridge with a new,unused cartridge (e.g., a cartridge filled with an additive).Alternatively, additive dispensing system 100 allows a user to simplyand easily replace a cartridge 120 containing a specific additive (e.g.,lemon flavor) and replace it with a different desired additive (e.g.,cherry flavor).

In the exemplary embodiment, additive dispensing cartridge 120 includesa housing 130, a reservoir 139, a bladder 140 disposed within reservoir139, and pump 150 in communication with the bladder. Housing 130includes sidewalls 132, 133, 134, and 135, a closed end 136 and an openend 137 that form reservoir 139. In this embodiment, cartridge 120optionally includes a bladder 140 disposed within reservoir 139 tocontain a consumable additive as described below herein. Pump 150 isconnected to housing 130 at open end 137 and is in fluid communicationwith bladder 140. It is understood that cartridge 120 could not includebladder 140 and thus contain the additive within reservoir 139.Alternatively, cartridge 120 could be configured such that it containsthe additive within bladder 140, but not include reservoir 139 to placethe bladder within.

Additive dispensing cartridge 120 is operable to selectively dispense anamount of additive 40 from bladder 140. In one embodiment, the additivein bladder 140 is in a liquid form. In another embodiment, the additivein bladder 140 is in the form of a dry powder. The additive comprisesone or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavorings,vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Additive minerals include mineralsselected from the group consisting of ions calcium, silicate, chloride,magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese andmixtures thereof. Vitamin additives comprise vitamins selected from thegroup consisting of vitamin B12, vitamin C and mixtures thereof. Inother embodiments, homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies, as well asflavorings, may be included as additive in bladder 140.

In one embodiment, the additive comprises hydroalcoholic extracts ofnatural oils. Other additives may comprise elixirs, spirits or essencesand tinctures. An elixir is a clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic liquidintended for oral use. The alcohol content ranges from about 5% to about50% by volume. Spirits or essences are alcoholic or hydroalcoholicsolutions prepared from vegetable or chemical substances. Theconcentration of the solute varies up to 50%. The hydroalcoholicextracts of natural oils range from about 0.025 to about 0.5% by volumeof the filtered water to deliver a hint of flavor to the filtered water.Depending upon the size of the glass and the number of shots dispensedinto the glass, the range set forth above could be larger. In anotherexemplary embodiment, 1 to 5 shots of 0.2 ml of concentrated flavor maybe dispensed in a 250 ml glass of a beverage such as water. In anotherembodiment, the additives may comprise one or more coloring agents, suchas food coloring, to add a color to the filter water. Exemplary flavorscomprise lemon, lime, berry, citrus, orange, strawberry and mixtures ofthe same.

Fluid container 10 and its additive dispensing system 100 are infinitelyflexible as to the concentration of the dispensed additive relative tothe dispensed beverage. The present invention allows a user to customizethe amount of additive to each individual glass poured from firstchamber 22 as compared to conventional systems that require the additiveto be dispensed into the entire container of beverage (e.g., water)before pouring. Such systems did not permit individualized or customizedadditive concentrations for each individual poured glass of beverage. Inone embodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable toselectively dispense from about 0.01 ml of additive to about 1.0 ml ofadditive per 250 ml of water filtered by the filter. In a furtherembodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable to selectivelydispense from about 0.1 ml of additive to about 0.5 ml of additive per250 ml of water filtered by the filter. In another embodiment, theadditive dispensing system is operable to selectively dispense fromabout 0.025 to about 0.25% additive by volume of water filtered by thefilter. In a further embodiment, the additive dispensing system isoperable to selectively dispense from about 0.05 to about 0.1% additiveby volume of water filtered by the filter.

In this exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 134 and 135 are substantiallycurved such that housing 130 has a curved cross section as shown in FIG.7. The curved shape of housing 130 is configured to permit cartridge 120to function within multiple devices (e.g., water faucet mounted filtersystems, pitcher mounted systems, portable additive dispensing systems,refrigerator, etc.). In addition, although the shape of housing 130 maybe designed to permit it to function in multiple devices, it also may beconfigured to provide an ample reservoir volume for containing areasonable amount of an additive. Thus, the exemplary embodiment ofcurved-shaped housing 130 provides a balance between the two. Inaddition, the cartridge has a width that permits two cartridges to fitinto a water pitcher receptacle. An exemplary width of cartridge 120 isfrom about 0.5 inches to about 3.0 inches, another exemplary width ofcartridge 120 ranges from about 1.0 inch to about 2.0 inches,particularly about 1.5 inches. Cartridge 120 may comprise a length fromabout 0.5 inches to about 4.0 inches, more particularly from about 2.0inches to about 3.0 inches.

Housing 130 may be curved to substantially conform to the curvature ofrear surface 109 of receptacle 101 to permit a tighter fit (i.e., aclose tolerance fit) between receptacle 101 and cartridge 120. Thisallows cartridge 120 to move smoother and more efficiently withinreceptacle 101. FIG. 7 illustrates that the curved-shaped housing 130includes two convex-shaped sidewalls 134 and 135 that are curved in thesame general direction, i.e., the convex curvatures of both sidewalls134 and 135 face the same direction. In one exemplary embodiment, curvedsidewalls 134 and 135 are substantially parallel to one another. FIG. 7also shows that the cross section of housing 130 includes an innerradius R_(i) and an outer radius R_(o). Inner radius may range fromabout 2.0 inches to about 10.0 inches and outer radius R_(o) may rangefrom about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches in one exemplary embodiment.In still another exemplary embodiment, inner radius may range from about4.0 inches to about 6.0 inches and outer radius R_(o) may range fromabout 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. It is understood that housing 130may comprise a variety of known shapes, configurations, and sizeswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Housing 130 may be fabricated from any conventional materials as knownto one of ordinary skill in the art. Such material may be rigidmaterial, semi-rigid material, flexible material, or any combinationthereof. In the exemplary embodiment, housing 130 is fabricated from asubstantially rigid material. Exemplary materials for housing 130include, but not be limited to polymeric material, such as polypropylene(PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene(HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polystyrene, nylon, polyester, aluminum foil, flexible barrier material,and any combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, housing 130 isfabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE) from DOW Plastics, witha grade of 12450N. In another exemplary embodiment, housing 130 mayinclude a substantially rigid frame-work (i.e., without side walls 132,133, 134, and 135) to minimize material costs and weight.

Bladder 140 may be any type of conventional bladder or liner configuredto contain an additive in liquid, gel, or powder form as known to one ofordinary skill in the art. In the exemplary embodiment, bladder 140 is aflexible, gusseted bag or pouch that includes a vapor barrier (notshown). Such a flexible bladder permits cartridge 120 to be positionedin any orientation (e.g., horizontal or vertical) and still permitsubstantially all of a liquid additive contained within bladder 140 tobe dispensed from it without requiring a venting or pressure reliefdevice to assist in dispensing the additive completely from bladder 140.Bladder 140 may comprise single or multiple-layered materials and/orlaminates, including but not limited to foil laminates or metalized filmbags, as known to one ordinary skill in the art. Such materials mayinclude a vapor barrier, vapor barrier properties, or other suitablebarrier properties. These laminates or film bags may also include apolyethylene laminate on its sealing surfaces. One exemplary foillaminate is commercially available from Sonoco, Inc. Because the presentinvention uses such a bladder, cartridge 120 may be connected to fluidcontainer 10 via receptacle 101 in a horizontal orientation. However, itis understood that cartridge 120 may be connected to fluid container 10such that it may be positioned in a vertical or any other orientation.

In the exemplary embodiment, pump 150 is designed to be disposable as apart of additive dispensing cartridge 120 that is also disposable. Inalternate embodiments, the pump may be separate from bladder 140, and,individually may be permanent or disposable. There are several benefitsof configuring cartridge 120 to include a disposable pump versusdesigning the pump to be a permanent fixture of additive dispensingsystem 100 (e.g., connected to receptacle 101), and thus not disposable.First, a disposable pump (e.g., pump 150) eliminates the issue ofbacteria growth within the pump due to additive accumulation (e.g.,residue) within the pump after being dispensed by the pump.

Second, a disposable pump (e.g., pump 150) reduces pump reliabilityissues. If the pump was a permanent fixture of additive dispensingsystem 100, it would wear and breakdown over time due to repeatedoperations. Or, the pump would need to be fabricated to account for suchrepeated operation, which would increase its cost and weight. However,since pump 150 is replaced with the depletion of the additive withinbladder 140, it may be configured to handle the number of pumpoperations required to deplete the amount of additive contained withinbladder 140, making it a much cheaper pump. It also provides for animproved reliability for additive dispensing system 100.

Third, if the pump is not disposable, but is replaced with thecartridge, i.e., the pump is individually disposable, as desired, thenthe additive accumulation of one type of additive (e.g., lemon flavorresidue) within the pump may cross-contaminate a new additive (e.g.,cherry flavor), thus providing a consumer a dissatisfying taste andexperience. By making pump 150 disposable with cartridge 120, thecross-contamination of flavors within the pump is substantiallyeliminated. It is understood that cartridge 120 may be configured to bea reusable and/or refillable cartridge without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. However, since pump 150 willessentially be disposed of or replaced with every disposal orreplacement of the consumable additive, it may be desirable to configurean inexpensive pump (e.g., pump 150) to selectively dispense theadditive from bladder 140.

The exemplary pump 150 shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 includes a pump body151 having a pump opening 152 disposed therethrough, an inlet checkvalve 153 positioned in pump opening 152 in a normally closed position,a diaphragm 154 disposed within a cavity 155 over inlet check valve 153,and an outlet check valve 158 disposed along diaphragm 154. As shown inFIG. 6, pump 150 is axially aligned with housing 130, which also axiallyaligns pump 150 with bladder 140. Axially aligned, as used herein, meansthat pump opening 152 is coaxially positioned along the housing'slongitudinal axis A1. This axial alignment of pump 150 with housing 130provides for improved pumping and dispensing of the additive frombladder 140. It permits a smaller pump to be used in cartridge 120because the axial alignment reduces the required pumping forces. In theexemplary embodiment shown, bladder 140, pump body 151, inlet checkvalve 153, diaphragm 154, and outlet check valve 158 include a fluidflow path that runs along longitudinal axis A1 of housing 130.

Pump body 151 may be fabricated from a variety of conventional plasticssuch as high density polyethylene (HDPE). An exemplary HDPE iscommercially available from Dow Plastic, grade 12450N. In this exemplaryembodiment, inlet check valve 153 positioned in pump opening 152functions as both a self-sealing seal (e.g., septum) for bladder 140 anda one-way check valve. This multi-functionality reduces the number ofrequired components and thus the expense to fabricate cartridge 120.When diaphragm 154 is positioned over inlet check valve 153, it definesa dose chamber 156. Diaphragm 154 includes a planar surface 157 and anoutlet check valve 158 that is integrated into diaphragm 154 such thatit extends outwardly from planar surface 157 and is in fluidcommunication with chamber 156. Chamber 156 is also in fluidcommunication with inlet valve 153. Having diaphragm 154 and outletcheck valve 158 integrated into one component reduces the expense offabrication and the complexity of pump 150. Although inlet check valve153 is described with multiple functionality (e.g., valve and seal) anddiaphragm 154 is described as having outlet check valve 158 integratedtherein, it is understood that a pump having a discrete seal, inletcheck valve, diaphragm, and outlet check valve is within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

Outlet check valve 158 includes a pair of sealing surfaces 159 that arepositioned on a distal end 160 of outlet check valve 158. Outlet checkvalve 158 is extended and configured such that once the additive beingdispensed from cartridge 120 passes sealing surfaces 159, the additivehas completely left the cartridge and will have no other contact witheither cartridge 120 or receptacle 101. In other words, neithercartridge 120 nor receptacle 101 have dead space in its flow pathdownstream of sealing surfaces 159. Since both cartridge 120 andreceptacle 101 have been configured to not include dead space downstreamof sealing surfaces 159, neither provide any space for the dispensedadditive to accumulate. Such accumulation of additive can causeresistance to the movement of the cartridge within the receptacle,bacteria growth, or cross-flavor contamination. Additive accumulationoutside of the check valve, where it is partially exposed to air, canevaporate leaving a residue that can inhibit the operation of the pump.

Similar to inlet check valve 153, outlet check valve 158 is configuredto be in a normally closed position and is in fluid communication withdose chamber 156. In one exemplary embodiment, inlet check valve 153 isan umbrella valve and outlet check valve 158 is a duckbill valve. Inletcheck valve 153, diaphragm 154, and outlet check valve 158 are made froma flexible material, particularly flexible material having memory.Exemplary materials of construction for inlet check valve 153, diaphragm154, and outlet check valve 158 include, but are not limited toelastomers such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), buna,neoprene, EPDM. One exemplary TPE used to fabricate inlet check valve153, diaphragm 154, and outlet check valve 158 is commercially availablefrom West Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Bladder 140 is sealed to a seal flange 166 of pump body 151 such thatbladder 140 is in fluid communication with pump opening 152 and thusinlet check valve 153. Sealing bladder 140 to seal flange 166 of pumpbody 151 enables the elimination of a front sidewall (e.g., to coveropen end 137) on housing 130, reducing weight and fabricating costs.Bladder 140 and pump body 151 are inserted into open end 137 of housing130. Pump body 151 is connected to housing 130 with a heat seal. It isunderstood, that pump body 151 and housing 130 may be connected by anynumber of conventional technologies and methods as known to one ofordinary skill in the art, such as snap-fit connections, glue, etc.

Cartridge 120 also includes a retainer 162 that connects (e.g., snapfit, heat seal, threaded engagement, etc.) into cavity 155 of pump body150 to hold diaphragm 154 within cavity 155 of the pump body. Retainer162 may also include a valve cap 164 that is connected to retainer 162using snap pegs 168 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such acap protects outlet check valve 158 from being exposed to dirt, debris,and damage prior to use. Retainer 162 and cap 164 may be fabricated fromplastic materials such as polypropylene. One exemplary material used tofabricate retainer 162 and cap 164 may be a homopolymer 4039commercially available from BP Amoco Chemical Company. Cap 164 maysimply be snapped off by twisting cap 164 to snap pegs 168.

It is understood that inlet and outlet valves 153 and 158 may comprise avariety of conventional one-way or check valves, such as ball valves,spring-loaded valves, or the like. In addition, as one skilled in theart will appreciate, any pump known to one skilled in the art such aspositive displacement and centrifugal pumps may be utilized to dispensethe additive from the bladder 140 to water within a container. Suchexemplary embodiments include, but not limited to piston pumps,peristaltic pumps, bellows-type pumps, piezo-electric pumps, diaphragmpumps (e.g., as described above), rotary vane, etc. Alternatively,cartridge 120 may comprise, in place of pump 150, venture feed, gravityfeed, and/or pressurized systems to dispense the additive from bladder140 into the water.

To fill bladder 140 with an additive, prior to use in the container ofthe invention, as described herein, a hollow needle (not shown) isinserted into and through inlet check valve 153, which is acting as aseal enclosure over pump opening 152 (i.e., sealing bladder 140) to pulla vacuum within bladder 140. Once the vacuum has been established withinbladder 140, the needle is removed. Due to its shape, configuration, andmaterial, inlet check valve 153 automatically reseals the hole theneedle created within the inlet check valve, acting as a self-sealingseptum as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. A second needle ofa syringe-type device (not shown herein) containing the additive isinserted into and through inlet check valve, enabling the additive to bedispensed into bladder 140. Again, due to the shape, configuration, andmaterial of inlet check valve 153, the hole made by the needle resealsitself automatically (e.g., self-sealing septum). The needles andsyringe-type device are well understood by one of ordinary skill in theart and will not be described herein.

In operation, cap 164 is twisted off of cartridge 120. Cartridge 120 isinserted into space 102 within guides 103 of receptacle 101 such thatplanar surface 157 of diaphragm 154 rests against annular protrusion104, and outlet check valve 158 is inserted through aperture 106 ofreceptacle 101. Once inserted, a user may have to prime pump 150 to fillchamber 156 with an amount of the additive from bladder 140. Forexample, the user may selectively apply a force to closed end 136 in thedirection of open end 137 (or pump 150) along longitudinal axis A1 ofcartridge 120. When the force is applied to housing 130, it pressesannular protrusion 104 against planar surface 157, which depressesdiaphragm 154 causing outlet check valve 158 to open and chamber 156 toreduce in volume. Chamber's 156 reducing volume forces any substance(e.g., air or an additive) contained within chamber 156 to be dispensedthrough outlet check valve 158. Once the applied force is released fromclosed end 136, diaphragm 154 returns back to its normal position due tomemory of diaphragm 154, expanding chamber 156 back to its normalvolume. Such expansion of chamber 156 causes a vacuum within chamber 156that bends an annular valve seal 169 of inlet check valve 153 away frompump body 151, opening inlet check valve 153. When inlet check valve 153is opened, the vacuum within chamber 156 will also pull additive throughpump opening 152 into chamber 156 from bladder 140.

Once diaphragm 154 and chamber 156 are back to their normal positions,the inlet and outlet check valves are closed, preventing air from beingsucked back into bladder 140 and chamber 156. This process may berepeated several times to prime the pump and fill the chamber 156 withthe additive. The pump (and/or dose chamber) may be configured to hold adesired dose (i.e., a prequantified or measured amount of the additive)to be dispensed with one operation of the pump. Exemplary dose amountsof the additive to be dispensed with each pump operation is a volume ofabout 0.05 ml to about 1.0 ml. In another exemplary embodiment, the doseamount is a volume of about 0.15 ml to about 0.25 ml. Once the chamberis filled with the desired amount of additive (i.e., primed), thecartridge is ready to dispense an amount of additive to water fromchamber 156. When a dose of additive is desired, the user applies aforce to close end 137 such that protrusion 104 depresses diaphragm 154,causing outlet check valve 158 to open and the amount of additive withinchamber 156 to dispense from the outlet check valve 158. As the additiveis dispensed from outlet check valve 158, an equal amount of theadditive will be pulled from bladder 140 through inlet check valve 153to replenish chamber 156.

Referring to FIG. 11, receptacle 101 may comprise an interface 170,which may interconnect with cartridge 120. Interface 170 may be adiscrete or integrated part of receptacle 101 to prevent dirt, debris,and other substances from entering into water filtration system 110 whencartridge 120 is not in receptacle 101. Interface 170 includes a body172 having an interface opening 174, a door 176 configured to open orclose opening 174, a spring 178 configured to bias cartridge 120 awayfrom interface body 172 when cartridge 120 is positioned withininterface 170, and a slot 179 disposed through body 172. Door 176 is ina normally closed position over opening 174. When cartridge 120 ispositioned in receptacle 101, door 176 still remains closed over opening174. However, when a user applies force to closed end 136, moving thecartridge toward the interface body 172, a door opening device 180(e.g., a cam) positioned on pump body 151 slides through slot 179 toengage door 176. Door opening device 180 moves door 176 away fromopening 174, and thus allowing outlet check valve 158 to move throughopening 174 and dispense the additive from bladder 140. Once the appliedforce is removed, spring 178 moves cartridge 120 back away frominterface body 172, thus disengaging door opening device 180 from door176 and closing opening 174. It is also understood that interface 170may be configured such that door 176 is in a normally closed positionuntil cartridge 120 is inserted into interface 170 and door openingdevice 180 moves door 176 away from opening 174. In this configuration,interface 170 does not include a spring to bias cartridge 120 away frominterface body 172. However, a spring may be used to bias door 176 toits normally closed position.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 12. In this embodiment, additive dispensing system 200 may includea receptacle 201 configured to receive cartridge 120 in a movingengagement. Receptacle 201 may include a door 210 connected toreceptacle 201 near an aperture 206 disposed within a surface 205 ofreceptacle 201. Door 210 is configured to open and close aperture 206,thus preventing or permitting outlet check valve 158 of cartridge 120 toenter into aperture 206 and through surface 205. A distal end 211 ofdoor 210 is fixedly attached to receptacle 201 such that door 210 iscantilevered from receptacle 201 over aperture 206. In addition, door210 is spring-biased in a closed position over aperture 206. In thisembodiment, door 210 is fabricated from a material having memory or aspring constant that provides this spring-biased. Alternatively,receptacle 201 may include a separate spring (not shown) that engagesdoor 210 to bias it in the closed position over aperture 206. Eithercartridge 120 or door 210 may have a cam (not shown) that engages door210, or vice versa. When a force is applied to cartridge 120 to operatepump 150, the cam moves door 210 away from aperture 206, allowing outletcheck valve 158 to dispense the additive through aperture 206 and into acontainer.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-5, fluid container 10 may also include secondadditive reservoir 26 positioned such that it may receive and containthe amount of additive 40 dispensed from pump 150 (and/or outlet checkvalve 158) of cartridge 120. In the exemplary embodiment, secondadditive reservoir 26 is separate from additive dispensing cartridge 120and is integral to lid 20. Fluid container 10 may also include adeflector 32 positioned substantially in front of outlet check valve158. Deflector 32 may be configured and positioned such that when pump150 dispenses the amount of additive 40 from outlet check valve 158,additive 40 hits deflector 32 and deflects into and is contained bysecond additive reservoir 26. In the exemplary embodiment, deflector 32is integral to cover 30. Once additive 40 deflects into second additivereservoir 26, additive 40 is contained within second additive reservoir26 until fluid container 10 is tilted at an angle such that additive 40pours from second additive reservoir 26, exiting lid outlet 34 andfalling from a lip 35 into a second container (e.g., drinking glass).The exemplary embodiment of the fluid container may configure lip 35 toextend out to or past an outer edge 15 of spout 16 along a hypotheticalvertical plane in order to prevent additive 40 from pouring or drippingback into first chamber 22 when being poured from second additivereservoir 26. In another exemplary embodiment, deflector 32 may bedesigned to cause additive 40 when it deflects from deflector 32 to forminto large droplets and then fall into second additive reservoir 26.Such large droplets improve and help ensure that most, if not all, theadditive is poured/dispensed from second additive reservoir 26.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the exemplary fluid container 10 has anaspect ratio of approximately 2 to 1, which when the first chamber issubstantially full with first fluid 3 (having first fluid 3 filledsubstantially to the top of first chamber 22 as shown in FIG. 4 a), itcauses first chamber 22 to have a first chamber angle Θ equal to or lessthan about 45°, more particularly between about 30° and about 45°. It isunderstood that the first chamber pour angle may be different anglesdepending upon the fluid container's aspect ratio, configuration, and/orthe amount of first fluid contained within first fluid container. Inthis exemplary embodiment, it was desired to have additive 40 pour fromsecond additive reservoir 26 before the first fluid poured from firstchamber 22. One benefit of designing the additive (40) to pour intosecond container 5 before first fluid 3 begins to pour into cup 1 isthat it improves the mixing of the additive into the first fluid.Therefore, second additive reservoir 26 may be configured to have a pourangle (second additive reservoir pour angle α) that is less than firstchamber pour angle Θ in order to permit additive 40 to pour fromreservoir 26 before first fluid 3 pours from first chamber 22. The firstchamber pour angle Θ is defined as the angular deviation of alongitudinal axis E-E′ of fluid container 10 from a vertical orientationof longitudinal axis E-E′ sufficient to cause first fluid 3 to begin topour from first chamber 22. The second additive reservoir pour angle αis defined as the angular deviation of a longitudinal axis E-E′ of fluidcontainer 10 from a vertical orientation of longitudinal axis E-E′sufficient to cause additive 40 to begin to pour from second additivereservoir 26.

The first chamber pour angle Θ may be dependent upon the level of thefirst fluid contained within first chamber 22. For example, as shown inFIG. 4 a, when first chamber 22 is substantially full (a high level offirst fluid 3 contained within first chamber 22), first chamber pourangle Θ is substantially smaller than the first chamber pour angle Θwhen first chamber 22 is almost empty (a low level of first fluid 3contained within first chamber 22) as shown in FIG. 4 b. In theexemplary embodiment shown, fluid container 10 is configured to have afirst fluid pour angle Θ that is greater than second additive reservoirpour angle α in order to permit additive 40 to pour from second additivereservoir 26 before the first fluid pours from first chamber 22. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the fluid container's second additivereservoir pour angle α may comprise from about 0° to about 45°, andfirst fluid pour angle Θ may comprise from about 0° to about 90° so longas second additive reservoir pour angle α is less than first fluid pourangle Θ of the fluid container. In still another exemplary embodiment,the fluid container's second additive reservoir pour angle α is lessthan 30° (e.g., 15°), and first fluid pour angle Θ is equal to orgreater than 30°. In yet still another exemplary embodiment, fluidcontainer 10 is configured to have a first chamber pour angle Θ that isgreater than the second additive reservoir's pour angle α.

In one exemplary embodiment, lip 35 may comprise an internal radius (r),defining the edge of second additive reservoir 26 as shown in FIG. 5.Lip 35 may be configured with radius (r) of less than or equal to about0.005 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, radius (r) of lip 35 maybe less than or equal to about 0.003 inches. It has been found thatfabricating lip 35 with a radius (r) of equal to or less than 0.005inches provides second additive reservoir 26 with a better roll-off ofthe additive from lip 35 as the additive is poured from second additivereservoir 26. It is desirable to have such a lip radius for improvedroll-off to aid in dispensing most, if not all, of additive 40 fromsecond additive reservoir 26. In other words, to aid in preventing anyresidual or residue of additive 40 remaining within second additivereservoir 26. This provides fluid container 10 with a lower probabilityof having any flavor cross-over, if and when, additive dispensingcartridges 120 containing different flavored additives are used withcontainer 10. The decreased residual of additive 40 left in secondadditive reservoir 26 makes fluid container 10 easier to clean as thereis less sticky residue to wash away. This may also decrease theopportunity for bacteria to grow within reservoir 26.

Second additive reservoir 26 includes an interior surface 28 that may beat least partially in contact with additive 40 resting within reservoir26 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In one exemplary embodiment, surface 28 may beultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and/or ultraclean. As used herein,ultrahydrophobic surfaces are surfaces that produce static contactangles greater than 140° with water. As used herein, ultralyophobicstructures are surfaces that produce static contact angles greater than140° with fluids with surface tensions less than that of water, such asoils, alcohols, hydrocarbons, etc. Ultraclean surfaces, as used herein,are surfaces with a low contact angle hysteresis, which is defined asthe difference between the advancing and receding contact angles of afluid on a surface.

With ultraclean surfaces, the contact angle is less important than theroll-off angle (angle above which a sessile drop of fluid spontaneouslyrolls) and the amount of residual fluid after roll-off (cleanliness).These two fluid characteristics are directly related to the contactangle hysteresis. In one exemplary embodiment, surface 28 is anultraclean surface having a roll-off angle less than 30°. In anotherexemplary embodiment, surface 28 is an ultraclean surface having aroll-off angle less than 15°. In yet another exemplary embodiment,surface 28 is an ultraclean surface having a roll-off angle less than5°.

It has been found that if a surface contains ultrahydrophobicity andultralyophobicity properties, then low roll-off angles and low residualfluid will also be obtained, and thus ultracleanliness will be achieved.However, for a given surface with a given contact angle, the roll-offangle and cleanliness can be drastically different due to hysteresis inthe advancing and receding contact angles. Generally, there are two waysto produce surfaces with ultrahydrophobicity and ultralyophobicity: oneis using ultra low surface energy materials; and two is using highlyrefined surface microtexture (optionally, combined with nanotexture suchas hydrophobically modified nanoparticles). In one exemplary embodiment,the surface energy (defined as the surface free energy at 20° C.) of theultra low surface energy material is less than 25 mN/m. Non-limitingexamples of ultra low surface energy materials are fluoropolymers (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a reported surface energy of 20mN/m, polytrifluoroethylene (PTrFE) with a reported surface energy of23.9 mN/m, fluoroethylene-propylene (FEP); and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA))and silicones (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a reported surfaceenergy of 19.8 mN/m).

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show an exemplary embodiment, wherein surface 28 maybe provided with ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and/or ultracleanproperties by fabricating it from a fluoroplasma treated bubble film 27.First, an untreated bubble film 27 containing numerous-approximately 150micron in height×150 micron in diameter—hollow 3-D protuberances 29spaced uniformly on a square packing array with approximately 250 microndistance center-to-center is provided. Note that this untreated film isneither ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, nor ultraclean. Then, thisuntreated bubble film is coated with polymerized fluoro-functionalgroups via plasma and becomes ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, andultraclean.

One exemplary method by which the coating may be achieved involvesexposing the surface to a plasma that comprises a monomeric unsaturatedorganic compound. The monomeric unsaturated organic compound maycomprise a chain of carbon atoms. The chain of carbon atoms may beoptionally substituted by fluorine; provided that the compound is aperfluorinated alkene or acrylate, having a chain of at least sevensubstituted carbon atoms so as to form an ultralyophobic coating on thesubstrate. Alternatively, the untreated bubble film may be surfacecoated with hydrophobic nanoparticles, which will result in the bubblefilm having ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and ultraclean properties.A non-limiting example of nanoparticles useful in this disclosure issilica particles treated with fatty acids.

Referring to FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, yet another exemplary embodiment of afilm 31 that may be used to fabricate surface 28 is shown. Surface 28may be provided ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and ultracleanproperties by fabricating it from compression molded PFA or FEPthermoplastic, fluoropolymer film 31. As set forth above, this film mayalso include solid protuberances 33 (for mechanical stability). Thestarting material of the film may also be a material having a lowsurface energy, which permits film 31 to avoid of having to use acoating as found in the exemplary embodiment set forth above in FIGS. 14a and 14 b. The PFA/FEP film may be compression-molded onto amicro-etched screen having a female pattern similar to the bubble filmgeometry set forth above. Once the PFA/FEP film is compression-moldedonto the micro-etched screen, the resulting film was ultrahydrophobic,ultralyophobic, and ultraclean. Film 31 may be used to fabricate surface28 to provide it with ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and ultracleanproperties. In addition, it has been found that the film may also makesurface 28 mechanically robust, thus enabling surface 28 to surviveconsumer use activity such as rubbing, cleaning, washing, and spraying.

Such ultrahydrophobicity, ultralyophobicity, and ultracleanlinessprovides several benefits to fluid container 10. First, because of theseproperties, little to no traces of additive 40 will remain in secondadditive reservoir 26 when the container 10 is tilted and additive 40 isdispensed from the second additive reservoir. In other words, little tono residue of additive 40 will remain on surface 28 of reservoir 26.With little to no residue left in reservoir 26, a user will experienceno flavor cross-over when different flavored, additive cartridges 120are used within container 10. Such properties also make cleaning thefluid container much easier because very little to no additive residueis left behind on surface 28, which tends to be sticky and hard toclean. Additionally, this may reduce the opportunity for bacteriagrowth. Second, the tilt angle required to evacuate or empty additive 40from second additive reservoir 26 is less and therefore requires lessconsumer effort to achieve the desired result.

It should also be understood that any and all surfaces of fluidcontainer 10, including but not limited to surfaces of additivedispensing cartridge 120, lid 20, and/or cover 30, may be configured tobe ultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and ultraclean. For example,deflector 32 may comprise a surface 38 having ultrahydrophobic,ultralyophobic, and ultraclean properties. If both deflector 32 andsecond additive reservoir 26 are provided with ultrahydrophobic,ultralyophobic, and ultraclean properties, then fluid container 10should permit little to no residue to build-up on its surfaces. Since inthis exemplary embodiment additive cartridge 120 is disposable, it isnot necessary to provide its surfaces with such properties. However, inother exemplary embodiments cartridge 120 may include surfaces havingultrahydrophobic, ultralyophobic, and ultraclean properties as well.

In another embodiment of the present invention, second additivereservoir 26 includes one or more rinse channels 70 along edges of thesecond additive reservoir as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Rinse channels 70may be configured such that they are in fluid communication with firstchamber 22 in order to permit a small quantity of first fluid 3 to flowinto second additive reservoir 26 when fluid container 10 is tilted todispense first fluid 3 and additive 40. The small quantity of firstfluid 3 that flows into second additive reservoir 26 rinses the secondadditive reservoir when fluid container 10 is tilted. The rinse ofreservoir 26 allows the dispensing of substantially all of additive 40during tilting (pouring) leaving essentially no additive 40 in secondadditive reservoir 26 at the end of the tilting (pouring) action.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, first fluid 3 is channeled tosecond additive reservoir 26 by restricting the flow of first fluid 3and developing a head pressure of sufficient magnitude to force firstfluid 3 through rinse channels 70. A non-limiting example of such flowrestriction is a very small average gap between pour spout 16 and lip 35of the second additive reservoir that would provide an orifice or gap ofsufficient size that will not substantially impact the flow rate offirst fluid 3, for example, a flow rate of greater than 2 liters/min. Anon-limiting example of the average gap between pour spout 16 and lip 35may be less than 5 mm. Another exemplary of the average gap may be lessthan 2 mm. Yet another exemplary of the average gap may be less than 1mm.

Also, rinse channels 70 may be located symmetrically around the edge ofsecond additive reservoir 26 and closer to additive outlet valve 158than to lip 35 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 15,the exemplary embodiment is optionally shown with rinse channel 70having an axis D-D′ at an acute angle from an axis C-C′ of the secondadditive reservoir, i.e., each rinse channel “points” generally towardsadditive outlet valve 158. In yet another exemplary embodiment, secondadditive reservoir 26 comprises flow channels 72 that direct additive 40towards lip 35 of reservoir 26 (FIG. 16) when the container is tilted.In still yet another embodiment, second additive reservoir 26 maycomprise an elevated section 36 adjacent to the additive dispensingsystem and additive outlet valve 158 as shown in FIG. 17. Elevatedsection 36 helps direct additive 40 toward the lip area 35 of the secondadditive reservoir and thus reduces the chances for leaving a residuewhen container 10 returns to the horizontal position after tilting(pouring) action is completed.

Although deflector 32 is shown in the exemplary embodiment as integralto cover 30, and second additive reservoir 26 is shown as an integral tolid 20, it should be understood that deflector 32 and second additivereservoir 26 may be components that are separate from cover 30 and lid20, respectively. It should also be understood that deflector 32 andreservoir 26 may be permanently or temporarily attached to either cover30 or lid 20 without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Also, it should be understood that deflector 32 and secondadditive reservoir 26 may both be affixed to either one of cover 30 orlid 20 without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Lid 20 may also include a button 50 connected to an arm 52, wherein arm52 engages closed end 136 of additive dispensing cartridge 120. When auser pushes button 50, it moves arm 52 forward such that it engagescartridge 120 causing the cartridge to slide forward in receptacle 101.When additive dispensing cartridge 120 slides forward within receptacle101, pump 150 engages annular protrusion 104, causing pump 150 todispense additive 40 from outlet check valve 158. Button 50 may bepositioned on an end 21 of lid 20, opposite lid outlet 34 and optionallynear handle 18, such that a user may grasp container 10 by handle 18 andactuate pump 150 via button 50 to dispense additive 40 from additivedispensing cartridge 120 into the second additive reservoir 26.Alternatively, a user may grasp and hold container 10 by handle 18 inorder to pour first fluid 3 from first chamber 22 into a secondcontainer (e.g., drinking glass) and simultaneously push button 50 todispense additive 40 from additive dispensing cartridge 120 into thesame second container. If container 10 is tilted at the appropriateangle, additive 40 may totally bypass second additive reservoir 26 anddispense directly into the second container. In yet another exemplaryembodiment, fluid container 10 may be configured to not include secondadditive reservoir 26 and thus permit the user to dispense the additive40 directly into first chamber 22 or the second container if container10 is tilted at the appropriate angle. It should also be understood thatthe present invention may include a variety of conventional actuators tooperate pump 150 such as levers, switches, or any other actuators asknown to one of ordinary skill in the art and may locate button 50 in avariety of other positions along container 10 without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. As can be seen andunderstood, the present invention permits the dispensing of additive 40before, during, or after the pouring of first fluid 3 into a secondcontainer.

Fluid container 10 may include one or more life indicators configured toindicate the remaining life of filter 23 and/or cartridge 120. Theexemplary fluid container shown in FIGS. 1-5 may include a lifeindicator 60. Life indicator 60 is configured to count the number ofoperations of pump 150 (doses). It is known how many doses of additiveare contained within bladder 140 and thus how many operations of pump150 are required to empty bladder 140. Life indicator 60 may be thenconfigured after a certain number of doses of additive have beendispensed to signal or indicate to a user that bladder 140 is almostdepleted of additive. In the exemplary embodiment shown, life indicator60 includes a trigger 62, a light 64, and a circuit/power source 66.Life indicator 60 is a conventional life indicator as known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Arm 52 includes a cam 54 that actuatestrigger 62 with each push of button 50, thus providing a count for eachoperation of pump 150 (dispense of an amount of additive 40 (dose) frompump 150). Life indicator 60 is configured to energize light 64 when aspecified number of pump operations (counts) have been delivered,signaling to a user that additive dispensing cartridge 120 needs to bereplaced and/or is close to being empty. Light 64 may comprise anyconventional light as known to one of ordinary skill in the art such asa LED or LCD. Life indicator 60 may also be configured to signal theremaining life of filter 23 by energizing a light, which may includelight 64 or a second light, after a specified number of pump operationshave been performed. Such a count may be based upon an assumption thateach pour of fluid container 10 will include an average number of pumpoperations (doses of the additive).

In another embodiment, the life indicator may comprise a read switchconfigured to count the number of dispenses of pump 150 or amagnetic/tilt switch configured to count the number of pours to signalto a user the remaining life of cartridge 120 and/or filter 23. In stillanother embodiment, lid 20, cartridge 120, first chamber 22, or secondadditive reservoir 26 may include a measuring device (not shown) totrack and/or estimate the amount of additive and/or first fluid that hasbeen dispensed from the cartridge and/or the fluid container, and thustrigger an indicator to signal the remaining life of cartridge 120 orfilter 23. The measuring device may include, but not be limited to, aweight sensor to measure the amount of additive left within bladder 140,an electrical or electrode sensor to measure the change in resistivityof the fluid in the bladder, a RFID tag (Radio FrequencyIdentification), opacity sensor, or similar such devices as used inother industries where a remaining amount of a consumable in a reservoiris tracked such as, for example, in the inkjet industry. The measuringdevice need not be described herein as such technology is known to oneof ordinary skill in the art.

In another exemplary embodiment, cartridge 120 may comprise a visiblelevel gauge (not shown) to allow the user to determine the amount ofadditive remaining in the reservoir. In addition, it is understood thatcartridge 120 and/or receptacle 101 may include a communication linksuch as a TAB circuit or radio frequency connection to communicate data(e.g., the amount of additive remaining within bladder) and signalsbetween the cartridge, water filter system, and/or a computer orcontroller. In yet another embodiment, the additive dispensing system100 further comprises an additive life indicator (not shown) operable toindicate the remaining amount of additive in bladder 140. For example,bladder 140 may comprise a visible level gauge to allow the user todetermine the amount of additive remaining in the reservoir. In stillyet another embodiment, additive dispensing system 100 may furthercomprise a totalizer which is operable to calculate the amount ofadditive dispensed from the additive dispensing system, and configurableto indicate the remaining amount of additive remaining in bladder 140.In such an arrangement, a flow meter or totalizer is coupled to theadditive life indicator and sends a signal to the additive lifeindicator to cause it to light up or flash after a predetermined volumeof additive has flowed through the additive outlet.

In an alternative embodiment, the life indicator may comprise amonitoring mechanism such as a microchip containing a programmableclock. The life indicator could be implemented as, for example, lightemitting diodes or LCD (liquid crystal display) readouts, wherein aclock is programmed to cause the life indicator to, for example, lightup or flash after a predetermined period of time has passed sinceinstalling a new cartridge 120 and/or filter 23, for example, twomonths. A user could then replace the cartridge 120 and/or filter with anew cartridge 120 and/or filter 23 and reset the clock. For example,fluid container 10 may include a life indicator (not shown) disposedalong lid 20. The life indicator is configured to indicate the liferemaining of a filter of a water filtration system (not shown) withinfluid container 10. The life indicator may be designed to changeindication after a certain time. In one exemplary embodiment, the lifeindicator may be configured to reset upon holding an actuation button(not shown) for 5 seconds. After resetting the life indicator, the lifeindicator may be configured to flash a green light when the fluidcontainer is poured (to indicate proper function). After one month, thelife indicator may be configured to change the green light to a yellowlight upon pouring. After two months, the life indicator may beconfigured to change the yellow light to a red light, thereby indicatingthe end of the filter life. Once the filter is changed, the lifeindicator may be reset by again holding the actuation button for 5seconds.

In another exemplary embodiment, the additive dispensing system 100 mayfurther comprise a controller (not shown) in communication with pump 150and outlet check valve 158. The controller may be configured to regulatethe amount of additive dispensed through the outlet check valve. Thecontroller may comprise a separate limiting valve (not shown).Alternatively, outlet check valve 158 may be a limiting valve. Thelimiting valve is operable to limit or regulate the amount of additive,if any, that is dispersed from pump 150. In another embodiment, thecontroller may comprise a microprocessor in communication with thelimiting valve. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller may comprisea dial or other input device to allow the user to select the amount ofadditive to be dispensed into the filtered water.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, fluid container 10 may furthercomprise a water filtration system (not shown) that includes an inlet incommunication with second chamber 24, a filter (e.g., filter 23), anoutlet, and a mineral content analyzer in fluid communication with theoutlet of the water filter. The mineral content analyzer may be operableto measure the concentration of one or more minerals in the filteredwater. The water filtration system may further comprise a controller incommunication with the mineral content analyzer. Additive dispensingsystem 100 may include multiple additive dispensing cartridges 120, eachwith a limiting valve in communication with pump 150 as described aboveherein. The limiting valves are in communication with a controller, suchthat the controller is operable to dispense one or more additives (suchas minerals) to yield a predetermined concentration of additives in thefiltered water. For example, the mineral content analyzer, detects alevel of calcium in the filtered water and reports the calcium level tothe controller. The controller determines that additional calcium isdesired in the final treated water product, and as such, sends a signalto the limiting valve to add and/or increase the amount of additive(i.e. calcium) being dispensed from pump 150 to the second additivereservoir 26 to be poured, ultimately, into a glass with the filteredwater from first chamber 22. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,any controller known to one skilled in the art may be utilized tocontrol the amount of additive dispensed into the filtered water.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid container for dispensing ahuman-consumable fluid and a human-consumable additive, comprising: ashell comprising a handle; a first chamber for containing thehuman-consumable fluid disposed within the shell; an additive dispensingcartridge disposed adjacent to the first chamber, the additivedispensing cartridge further comprising a housing, a reservoir disposedwithin the housing for containing the human-consumable additive, and anoutlet valve connected to the housing such that the outlet valve is influid communication with the reservoir, the outlet valve includes a pairof sealing surfaces, wherein the additive dispensing cartridge does notinclude any surfaces in its fluid path downstream of the pair of sealingsurfaces; and an actuator having a first end and a second end, theactuator disposed adjacent to the shell such that when the actuator isactuated the first end engages an end of the housing and the second endis positioned adjacent the handle and on a side of the containeropposite the outlet valve.
 2. The fluid container of claim 1, furthercomprising a receptacle connected to the shell, wherein the additivedispensing cartridge is received within the receptacle and moves withinand relative to the receptacle.
 3. The fluid container of claim 2,wherein the additive dispensing cartridge includes a pump connected tothe housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir, and whereinwhen the additive dispensing cartridge moves within the receptacle itengages the receptacle to operate the pump such that an amount ofadditive is dispensed from the reservoir through the outlet valve. 4.The fluid container of claim 2, further comprising a lid positioned overan open end of the shell, and wherein the receptacle is disposed on thelid.
 5. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a receptacleconnected to the housing, wherein the receptacle slidingly and removablyreceives the additive dispensing cartridge such that the additivedispensing cartridge slides within the receptacle in order to dispensean amount of additive from the reservoir through the outlet valve. 6.The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the outlet valve is not in fluidcommunication with the first chamber.
 7. The fluid container of claim 1,wherein the outlet valve is a check valve.
 8. The fluid container ofclaim 7, further comprising a pump connected to the housing such thatthe pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the outletvalve.
 9. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a secondadditive reservoir disposed adjacent to the additive dispensingcartridge such that an amount of additive is dispensed from the outletvalve through the pair of sealing surfaces into the second additivereservoir, separate from the first fluid.
 10. The fluid containeraccording to claim 9, wherein the second additive reservoir comprisesone or more rinse channels along edges of the second additive reservoir,and wherein the one or more rinse channels are in fluid communicationwith the first chamber and the second additive reservoir in order tocarry the human-consumable fluid into the second additive reservoir torinse the second additive reservoir when the fluid container is tilted.11. The fluid container according to claim 9, wherein the secondadditive reservoir comprises flow channels to direct the additivetowards a lip of the second additive reservoir.
 12. The fluid containeraccording to claim 9, wherein the second additive reservoir comprises anelevated section adjacent to the additive dispensing cartridge tocollect additive between the elevated section and a lip of the secondadditive reservoir.
 13. The fluid container according to claim 9,further comprising a spout, and wherein the second additive reservoir ispartially positioned above the spout.
 14. The fluid container accordingto claim 9, further comprising a deflector positioned substantially infront of the outlet valve and above the second additive reservoir suchthat the deflector deflects the amount of additive dispensed from theoutlet valve into the second additive reservoir.
 15. The fluid containeraccording to claim 1, actuator, when engaging the end of the housingapplies a force to the housing.
 16. The fluid container according toclaim 1, further comprising a life indicator configured to track acumulative number of dispenses of an amount of additive from theadditive dispensing cartridge and indicate the corresponding liferemaining for the additive dispensing cartridge based upon thecumulative number of dispenses of the amount of additive.
 17. The fluidcontainer according to claim 1, further comprising a second chamber forreceiving an unfiltered human-consumable fluid and a filter positionedbetween and in fluid communication with the first and second chamberssuch that the unfiltered human-consumable fluid may flow from the secondchamber through the filter and enter into the first chamber as afiltered human-consumable fluid.
 18. The fluid container according toclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the actuatorcomprises an arm, and wherein the second end of the actuator comprises abutton connected to the arm.